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Heat Tape: Prepare NOW!

March 27, 2017

This year’s winter weather was one for the record books! If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, we are still holding our breath hoping that summer is just around the corner. Many home and commercial building owners had to deal with challenges when removing snow and ice from roof tops. Of course, that’s the time when we all think, “I wonder if heat tape would be helpful right now”. If you’re not familiar with heat tape and its benefits, I’m going to tell you right now…call an electrician NOW to get it installed onto your roof. Yes, I know we’re heading

Are Your Solar Panels Ready For Winter?

November 30, 2016

Whether you’re in the market for solar installation or you’ve already invested, it’s important to understand the necessary maintenance for your panels. Luckily, solar panels don’t have any moving parts so there really isn’t much maintenance that is required. However, to gain the maximum potential and keep the highest quality of your system, you definitely should have them inspected a few times a year to ensure their efficiency. Inspections should entail removing any dirt or debris from the system as well as snow. It’s also important to review the panels to ensure no damage has occurred. If you’re inspecting your

Home Generators: Preparing For Severe Weather

November 28, 2016

Winter weather in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable. Due to snow, ice, and high winds, downed power lines are to blame for power outages that can last for hours or days. Warm weather months is generally free from such harsh and long-term outages, however powerful thunderstorms can cause similar devastation. A home generator is not only a convenience, but can be a life line for those that encounter loss of power throughout any season. Braving The Cold The thought of a power outage may bring positive memories. Thoughts of gathering everyone in the living room to play board games

Outdoor Lightning: Functional & Decorative

November 21, 2016

Winter is officially here and that means shorter days making it dark earlier. Many of us only think about outdoor lighting during the holidays when we want to give a little cheer to our outdoor lighting scheme. However, a good outdoor lighting design not only accentuates your home’s best features, it can be a safeguard against intruders and tripping accidents in addition to demonstrating your inner holiday enthusiast. Next Gen Electric can help you identify your lighting options and explain the work required to extend electricity to new areas of your property. But, it’s always wise to begin the process by

Halloween Electrical Safety Tips

October 31, 2016

For most of us, Halloween and decorating with lights indoors and outdoors is the kick off to the holiday season. As you and your family celebrate Halloween with elaborate decorations, fun costumes, and candle lit displays, Next Gen Electric wants to make sure you are equipped with the following electrical safety tips to help you and all your little trick-or-treaters remain safe. Always select/create costumes, decorations, and accessories made from flame-resistant, flame-retardant, or non-combustible materials. Toss out the flame candles and use flashlights or battery-operated candles when decorating your home including your outdoor lighting: Jack-O-Lanterns, and other outdoor displays. Carefully

ReplacingYour Smoke Alarm FAQ’s

October 12, 2016

Did You Know That Your Smoke Alarm Has An Expiration Date? It does! Every smoke alarm has a manufacturer’s date. According to the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72), it’s required that all smoke alarms be replaced within 10 years of that date. Actually, the manufacture’s instructions for most smoke alarms state that they are to be replaced when they fail to respond. This could be BEFORE their expiration date of 10 years. What does that mean for you? It’s Time To Check Your Smoke Alarms! Be sure to walk around your home and check all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide

Stay Fire-Free With AFCI’s

October 10, 2016

Throughout the past 30 years, our homes have been largely transformed thanks to modern electrical devices. However, these helpful devices have also supported and contributed to the number of electrical fires throughout the U.S each year. Current homes are overwhelmed by today’s electrical demands, putting them at greater risk of arc faults and arc-induced fires. What Is An Arc Fault? An arc fault is a dangerous electrical problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices. An arc fault occurs when older wires become frayed or cracked – possibly due to a nail or a screw behind a

Are You Eligible?

September 28, 2016

Solar adoption is taking flight thanks to the price of solar panels plummeting. This enables homeowners and businesses to save more money by controlling their own electricity costs instead of being at the mercy of rising utility rates. We’ve shared before about the top motivators to switch to solar but for most, the federal incentive is where it’s at! Thanks to the Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, homeowners can help themselves to a 30% incentive. The Best Part? This incentive is now good through December 31, 2019! A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of taxes owed. For example,

Understanding Electric Vehicle Charging

September 14, 2016

Trading a gas pump for a plug-in is a wonderful thing. It’s far more convenient, saves you time, and keeps you from breathing toxic fumes after fueling. Charging is a different experience all together and understanding the ins and outs can take some time. I’ve been driving electric for over two years and I’m still learning! If you’re looking to drive electric, you may want to get ahead of the learning curve now. It will save you some time and it may even help you save some money! Mostly, I’ll relate how charging works for a Nissan Leaf, a four-door, five-passenger hatchback

Keeping Organized On The Go

August 11, 2016

Between the office, paperwork, and appointments, there are a lot of things to juggle while on the job. One of the most important aspects of Next Gen’s organization starts with our work vehicles. You may think of a commercial vehicle as transportation from place to place, but it’s actually a key element of success. Electrical contractors are constantly on the go and many of us work right out of our vehicles. A work van is one of the biggest financial investments and ensuring that it is well organized has massive benefits. An organized work van is the foundation on which

Heat Tape: Prepare NOW!

Are Your Solar Panels Ready For Winter?

Home Generators: Preparing For Severe Weather

Outdoor Lightning: Functional & Decorative

Halloween Electrical Safety Tips

ReplacingYour Smoke Alarm FAQ’s

Stay Fire-Free With AFCI’s

Are You Eligible?

Understanding Electric Vehicle Charging

Keeping Organized On The Go

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